Doug Hastings Quoted on Formation of National Health Advisors

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Legal TimesJanuary 16, 2009Doug Hastings

The Legal Times reported that EBG Advisors, Inc., the Washington, DC-based consulting affiliate of Epstein Becker Green, has joined in a strategic alliance with government-relations firm The Oldaker Group to form National Health Advisors LLC.

In the article, "Epstein Becker & Green Ramps Up Lobbying Efforts," the newspaper reported on its blog: "As the Barack Obama administration moves in, health care-focused Epstein Becker & Green is preparing for changes in the health care policy environment by ramping up its lobbying capabilities."

Before teaming with Oldaker, EBG Advisors did lobbying "in quite limited circumstances," said Epstein Becker Green Chair Doug Hastings. "What obviously this joint venture does is put together the policy analytical capability that's been a part of the EBG side, and the direct lobbying capability of the Oldaker Group." He added that since health care is "a major focal point for the new administration," it was an opportune time to forge the alliance.

Six lobbyists and lawyers will lead the joint venture, including Epstein Becker's Leslie Norwalk, who served in the George W. Bush administration as the acting administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Oldaker is a longtime Democratic lobbyist, having worked with Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) and President Bill Clinton.